In real life self-defense situations, many of the classical techniques taught in Taekwondo may not be useful. This may be due to a number of variables, such as space limitations, attire, weather, number of attackers, etc. To overcome these variables, you must use a common sense approach to prepare yourself for possible attack

Martial arts schools teach different versions self-defense. Some teach techniques that only work against a cooperative opponent, such as some release moves. Some teach outmoded techniques, such as, when defending against an attacker who is choking you from the front with both hands with arms extended, you should thrust your arms straight up between the attacker's arms to break the choke and then slam your palms onto both the attacker's ears. Some teach techniques that, even if used in self-defense, would be unlawful acts, such as multiple strikes after the attacker is incapacitated. Some teach techniques with elaborate movements that would be tantamount to suicide if used in an actual self-defense situation. 

There are an endless number of self-defense techniques but the one thing they all have in common is the intended purpose of preventing or minimizing harm caused by a physical attack. Some techniques cause lasting no harm to the attacker, while others are intended to injure or kill the attacker. Most of the techniques work under the right circumstances, but the problem is in picking the right technique for a particular circumstance. No one technique will work under all circumstances. To be effective a technique must allow for changing circumstances. 

Some martial arts schools teach a large number of self-defense techniques, but self-defense is not about how many different techniques you know, it is about how well you perform each one. The Koga Method of self-defense, which I taught in police tactic classes in the 1970's, was comprised of basically one technique (the twist-lock). Instead of trying to learn numerous techniques, students only practiced using one technique from all directions and under all types of circumstances. In a self-defense situation, they reacted quicker and more effectively since they did not have to think about which technique to use.

If a self-defense technique requires more physical strength, dexterity, or speed than you have, it is not effective for you. If it requires more strength, dexterity, or speed than the majority of people possess, then it is not realistic. Always keep your physical limitations in mind. Although your skills will improve with practice, there are some techniques that are too unreliable to use, so it is a waste of time to practice them.

All self-defense techniques involve body shifting (some type of movement to parry the attacker's blow) and some type of counter strike. Sometimes these two things occur simultaneously. Proper self-defense consists of four major areas of expertise:

• Knowledge of how criminals operate.

• Prevention strategies to avoid, deter, and escape would-be attackers.

• Physical defense skills and skill in the use of weapons.

• Survival consciousness and a fighting spirit.

One must be careful when learning self-defense techniques. The techniques must be effective and easy to use under circumstances one might encounter in ordinary life situations. The following are some thoughts and theories on self-defense.